gymnastics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal (when literal); can be informal in metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “gymnastics” mean?
A sport involving systematic and often rhythmic physical exercises that develop strength, flexibility, and control, typically performed on apparatus such as bars, beams, and mats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sport involving systematic and often rhythmic physical exercises that develop strength, flexibility, and control, typically performed on apparatus such as bars, beams, and mats.
Complex, agile, or highly skilled mental or physical performance; intellectual dexterity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The sport's organisation and some apparatus names may differ (e.g., 'vaulting horse' vs. 'vault' historically), but the term 'gymnastics' is identical.
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it with the Olympic sport, discipline, and agility.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “gymnastics” in a Sentence
do + gymnasticspractice + gymnasticsperform + gymnasticsN + gymnastics (e.g., mental gymnastics)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gymnastics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician gymnasted around the difficult question.
American English
- The lawyer gymnasted through the loopholes in the contract.
adverb
British English
- He moved gymnastically through the crowded room.
American English
- Her mind worked gymnastically to solve the puzzle.
adjective
British English
- She showed gymnastic ability in her negotiation tactics.
American English
- The gymnastic flexibility of the new software is impressive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The financial report required some mental gymnastics to understand.'
Academic
Used literally in sports science; metaphorically in critical theory to describe complex reasoning.
Everyday
Literal: 'My daughter has gymnastics on Tuesdays.' Metaphorical: 'Following his argument was a real gymnastics.'
Technical
Specific reference to the sport, its apparatus, rules, and judging criteria.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gymnastics”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gymnastics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gymnastics”
- Using as a plural count noun incorrectly: 'She did three gymnastic' (incorrect). Correct: 'She did some gymnastics/her gymnastics routine.'
- Misspelling: 'gymnastic' (adj) vs. 'gymnastics' (n).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a singular uncountable noun (e.g., Gymnastics is her passion). However, it takes a plural '-s' and originates from a plural form.
'Gymnastics' is a codified sport with specific apparatus and rules. 'Acrobatics' refers more generally to spectacular feats of balance, agility, and motor coordination, often in performance contexts like circus.
No, the adjective form is 'gymnastic' (e.g., gymnastic ability, gymnastic feat). 'Gymnastics' is solely a noun.
It refers to complex, convoluted, or agile thinking, often used to understand something difficult, solve a problem, or sometimes to deceive or evade in argument.
A sport involving systematic and often rhythmic physical exercises that develop strength, flexibility, and control, typically performed on apparatus such as bars, beams, and mats.
Gymnastics is usually neutral to formal (when literal); can be informal in metaphorical use. in register.
Gymnastics: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪmˈnæs.tɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɪmˈnæs.tɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mental gymnastics”
- “verbal gymnastics”
- “political gymnastics”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GYM where NASTY (gnastic) ants are doing flips and cartwheels. GYM-NASTIC-ants = Gymnastics.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEX THINKING IS PHYSICAL AGILITY (e.g., 'mental gymnastics').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common metaphorical use of 'gymnastics'?